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SC Johnson Applauds TSCA Reform Passage

Modernization Will Help Provide Consumers with Greater Confidence

SC Johnson applauds final passage by the U.S. Senate of legislation that reforms TSCA.
SC Johnson has long championed reform. TSCA has not been substantively amended since 1976.

RACINE, Wis., June 7, 2016 – SC Johnson applauded final passage by the Senate this week of legislation that provides critical reforms to the nearly 40-year old Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The company has long championed reform of TSCA, which has not been substantively amended since its enactment in 1976, despite significant advances in science and chemical assessments. The legislative changes were approved by the House on May 24, 2016 by an overwhelming 403-12 vote.

“This legislation is a win for families and I am thrilled to see it finally approved. This modernization of TSCA raises the standard for all companies and can help provide the public with confidence that the products they use in their homes are safe for their intended uses,” said Fisk Johnson, Chairman and CEO of SC Johnson. “The strong bipartisan support of this legislation also sends a very positive message. I especially want to thank the Senators and House members who led this effort, and the Wisconsin members of Congress who supported the legislation.”  

As part of the TSCA reform, for the first time, the EPA will be required to systematically prioritize all chemicals currently in commerce for safety evaluations. Other key reforms to this legislation include:

  • Requiring the EPA to make an affirmative safety determination before a new chemical can be brought to market
  • Promoting greater transparency in the TSCA program by reforming the way in which confidential business information is protected and shared;
  • Promoting application of a uniform federal chemical management program through limited and reasonable preemption of state regulatory authority;
  • Providing EPA with adequate resources, through fees on industry, to help defray the costs of administering a revamped TSCA program.

SC Johnson has supported TSCA reform for many years, including testimony before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee in 2011 by Kelly Semrau, Senior Vice President for Global Corporate Affairs, Communication and Sustainability.  

In addition, for many decades SC Johnson has been committed to doing what’s right for families and earning their trust, particularly as it relates to chemical safety. In the last 16 years, the company has used its Greenlist™ chemical management system to ensure the use of the best and safest ingredients in its products. In 2009, the company launched an ingredient transparency program and has published more and more detail about what’s inside our products – including the launch of a new European ingredient disclosure site this week. Last year, SC Johnson was the first mainstream company to share more than 99.9% of product-specific fragrance details. This year, the company launched the industry’s first 100% disclosed fragrance.  

About SC Johnson

SC Johnson is a family company dedicated to innovative, high-quality products, excellence in the workplace and a long-term commitment to the environment and the communities in which it operates. Based in the USA, the company is one of the world's leading manufacturers of household cleaning products and products for home storage, air care, pest control and shoe care, as well as professional products. It markets such well-known brands as GLADE®, KIWI®, OFF!®, PLEDGE®, RAID®, SCRUBBING BUBBLES®, SHOUT®, WINDEX® and ZIPLOC® in the U.S. and beyond, with brands marketed outside the U.S. including AUTAN®, TANA®, BAMA®, BAYGON®, BRISE®, KABIKILLER®, KLEAR®, MR MUSCLE® and RIDSECT®. The 130-year-old company, which generates $10 billion in sales, employs approximately 13,000 people globally and sells products in virtually every country around the world. www.scjohnson.com